01/28/2011 74010

STATE POLICE TROOPER

DEFINITION: This is journey level law enforcement work for the Pennsylvania State Police.

An employee in this job provides police services to Commonwealth citizens and visitors. Work involves providing patrol, crime, staff, or administrative services that may include traffic law enforcement, traffic control, accident and criminal investigations, serving warrants, effecting arrests, responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for assistance, and peacekeeping and security details. Work may also involve police-related education and public relations programs, report preparation, courtroom testimony, and related activities that require knowledge and application of Commonwealth vehicle and criminal laws. Employees in this job enforce Commonwealth laws and are sworn police officers exercising the powers of arrest. Duties involve tactful and courteous treatment of the public, impartial application of the law, and the need to make instantaneous decisions and take appropriate actions in situations that are frequently stressful or dangerous in nature. Work is performed independently and is reviewed for quality, completeness, and technical soundness through reports and observation.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: Conducts police patrols by vehicle, motorcycle, aircraft, horseback, or foot to observe buildings, people, vehicles, and surrounding areas.

Enforces the Pennsylvania Crimes Code, Motor Vehicle Code, and other related laws.

Operates radar or other speed timing devices to determine speeding violations and take enforcement action.

Investigates accidents and criminal incidents by determining priorities and requesting necessary assistance, securing and examining the scene, administering first-aid treatment, interviewing witnesses and potential violators, and interpreting and applying laws.

Determines violations of the law and uses discretion to determine whether a citation or warning is issued.

Conducts open and undercover investigations related to drugs, auto theft, prostitution, fire, fraud, or organized, computer, or white collar crime.

Conducts searches of persons, vehicles, and property.

Serves warrants, effects arrests, and transports violators of the law.

Maintains, carries, and appropriately uses firearms, other weapons, and specialized equipment.

Conducts safety, size and weight, and hazardous material inspections of motor carrier vehicles.

Administers polygraph examinations for the purpose of determining whether a person’s reactions indicate truthfulness or deception.

Serves as a member of the Special Emergency Response Team that responds to high risk or unusual emergency situations.

Cares for, trains, and works canines while conducting drug, bomb, and other searches.

Collects, preserves, and handles evidence and documents evidence chain of custody.

Records information and prepares reports regarding accidents, crimes, and other police-related incidents.

Appears at hearings and court proceedings on behalf of the Commonwealth to present evidence and testimony.

Directs and controls traffic and crowds.

Conducts peacekeeping, security, surveillance, and escorting activities.

Delivers police-related educational and training programs to citizen groups and law enforcement personnel.

Disseminates information to the public and news agencies regarding police-related incidents and activities.

Cooperates with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies on various police issues, investigations, and programs.

Travels within and to patrol zones and to scenes of accidents and criminal incidents, courts of law, residences, businesses, and other locations.

Operates a police motor vehicle in the performance of assigned duties.

Performs related work as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: Knowledge of the Pennsylvania Crimes Code and Motor Vehicle Code.

Knowledge of State Police administrative, field, and operational regulations.

Knowledge of principles and practices associated with law enforcement.

Knowledge of emergency response procedures.

Knowledge of the procedures associated with identification and preservation of physical evidence and maintaining evidence chain of custody.

Knowledge of criminal investigation practices and procedures.

Knowledge of department communications protocol and equipment.

Knowledge of specialized software and computerized equipment used for the preparation of forms and reports.

Skill in the proficient use of department firearms.

Skill in the proficient use of department police vehicles.

Ability to analyze and interpret laws and regulations.

Ability to identify inconsistencies in information and evidence.

Ability to effectively recall details and facts.

Ability to properly handle lethal and less-lethal weapons.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships.

Ability to effectively communicate orally.

Ability to effectively communicate in writing.

Ability to meet the physical demands of police work in regards to strength, agility, and health.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING: Successful completion of training as a State Police Cadet.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENT: Possession of a valid Pennsylvania non-commercial Class C driver’s license.